Missing Piece: How the Orioles Will Cope with Their Star Shortstop’s Early Season Absence
The Baltimore Orioles are set to begin the season facing an early challenge, as star shortstop Gunnar Henderson will officially start the 2025 season on the injured list. This news, announced by general manager Mike Elias just four days before Opening Day, follows Henderson's strained intercostal muscle sustained earlier in Spring Training on February 27th. Despite initial optimism that Henderson could recover in time for Opening Day, it has not come to fruition. This will mark the 23-year-old's first stint on the IL in his young MLB career, as Henderson has only recently resumed batting practice and fielding drills. With the Orioles set to open their 2025 campaign in Toronto against the Blue Jays on Thursday, they will need to quickly adjust their lineup and defensive plans to compensate for the absence of one of their most impactful players.
While Henderson’s upcoming stint on the IL is a setback, the Orioles remain hopeful that his absence will be brief and won’t turn into a long-term issue. Manager Brandon Hyde recently emphasized the importance of not rushing the Alabama native back into the lineup, stating, “It’s definitely something we don’t want to linger into the season and throughout the season,” Hyde continued, “He’s so important to us. We want to make sure he’s right and he’s not playing through any sort of injury or soreness the first part of the season.” Since entering the league, Henderson’s impact on the Orioles’ success has been undeniable. He emerged as one of MLB’s brightest young stars, following up his 2023 AL Rookie of the Year season with an even better performance in 2024. Last season, he was named to his first MLB All-Star Game and finished with 37 homers, 92 RBIs, and 21 stolen bases, all career highs. His reliable offensive production, along with his stellar defensive play, has been instrumental in Baltimore’s return to playoff contention, making Henderson's health even more crucial for the Orioles to reach their goals this season.
In Henderson’s absence, the Orioles will have to rely on their depth to begin the season, starting with their opening four-game series against the Blue Jays and continuing into their home opener against the Boston Red Sox on March 31st. Potential replacements for the Orioles at shortstop to begin the season could include Ramón Urías or Jorge Mateo, who hasn’t been ruled out for Opening Day as he finishes his recovery from a season-ending left elbow injury suffered last year. The Orioles will also rely on their young core, including Adley Rutschman, Jackson Holliday, Jordan Westburg, and Ryan Mountcastle, to help carry the load while Baltimore awaits Henderson's return. With division rivals on deck to begin the season, Baltimore’s ability to adapt to life without their star shortstop will be crucial in avoiding a slow start in what promises to be a competitive AL East race this year.
